There are significant technical challenges with any fully programmable valve system but often progress seems slow before the break-through. But the benefits of fully programmable valves are:
- eliminate throttle plate - the valves fully control air flow into and out of cylinders.
- Atkinson-Otto - at low power settings, run in highly efficient Atkinson mode yet have Otto available for maximum power modes.
As for laser ignition, no more electrode wear. It may be possible to use spectral effects to minimize the energy required. The biggest problem would be technician hazards unless it is in the infared region which is very likely. But focused, it would improve very lean operation.
Bob Wilson